Quote:
Originally Posted by MBates
I cannot figure out how people are prepared to trash Russell as being such a 'bad' (or insert other derogatory term here) hockey player.
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Anyone who can play a regular shift in the NHL is not just a good hockey player, they're exceptional. The reason Russell gets dumped on is that he was overrated for a couple of years, being treated like a solid, legitimate top 4 guy capable of playing ~20 shutdown minutes against elite talent, when in fact he just isn't that.
If thrust into that role, he will be an anchor for a team. If used properly in a depth role, he'll be an asset to whoever signs him. Reliable depth D are important to any team that wants to actually have a season, rather than just rebuild. You're going to have injuries and you need guys who not only play in the 5-6-7 holes, but fill in for injuries too.
So the negative tone is really relative to unfair expectations that were placed on him.